He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and five brothers.

James worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring as a fork lift driver at the Mapleton Foundry.

He was a member of Broom Tree Fellowship in Pekin.

James loved to shoot pool, NASCAR, and working in his yard and on cars. He had a genuine love for animals, loved his family, and was a much loved man with a tender heart and great sense of humor.

His funeral will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Chuck Grogan will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Spring Lake Cemetery in rural Manito.